Ashes can be scattered in space from next month after the launch of Britain’s first funeral balloon.

The Ascension 1 craft will carry cremated remains 22 miles up to be released into the high-altitude winds of the stratosphere.

Relatives can attend take-off and track the balloon’s progress online, while the scattering is filmed on a HD camera.

The footage is available as a keepsake.

The 2½-hour process, offered by Sheffield-based Ascension Flights, costs upwards of $1,000 and is also available for pets.

All flights are authorized by the Civil Aviation Authority, which provides a launch window and warns nearby pilots.

Launches take place at the company’s South Yorkshire base, but can be held elsewhere for a higher fee. Ascension, formed by two ex-University of Sheffield engineering students and featured on TV’s Dragons’ Den, has been developing the technology for five years. South Yorkshire is 43 miles east of Manchester.

Co-founder Dr. Chris Rose said they perfected the scattering technique with synthetic ash, to ensure it spreads evenly.

They have already sent teddies, books, breakfast cereal, alcohol and a cricket ball into space on the re-usable balloon.

Chris said: “Many of the first generation of space fans will never experience space flight. Our new service enables families the opportunity to fulfil their loved ones’ dreams. We feel it’s the ultimate send-off for a life well lived.”